El Paso’s Winterfest has been named Newsweek’s Best Christmas Market 2026, beating out other festive events in Austin, Washington, D.C. and New York.
The beloved tradition that kicks off the holiday season in the heart of El Paso was recognized as one of this year’s 10 standout Christmas markets, selected by Newsweek expert panelists and contributors, plus votes by readers. Winterfest asked the community to vote on its social media pages upon learning of its nomination for Best Christmas Market a few weeks ago, with the finalists revealed by Newsweek on Nov. 25.
Winterfest ended up taking the top spot.
“Downtown El Paso sparkles during Winterfest, where a Christmas market lines the streets with crafts, lights and global flavors. Families skate under desert stars, shop artisan booths and ride illuminated trolleys past historic plazas. Blending Mexican and American holiday traditions, it’s a borderland celebration rich in color, music and warmth,” Newsweek writes.
Following Winterfest on the list were the Carmel Christkindlmarkt in Carmel, Indiana, and the Armadillo Christmas Bazaar in Austin.
Here’s the full list of Newsweek’s Best Christmas Markets 2026:
Natassia Paloma may be reached at npaloma@gannett.com, @NatassiaPaloma on X, natassia_paloma on Instagram, and Natassia Paloma on Facebook.
This article originally appeared on El Paso Times: El Paso’s Winterfest named ‘Best Christmas Market 2026’ by Newsweek
Reporting by Natassia Paloma, El Paso Times / El Paso Times
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
